Reviews are today’s recommendation from a neighbour. They decide who a customer chooses and they help you show up on Google Maps. Yet most small businesses have only a handful of reviews — because they never asked for them.
When to ask
The best moment is within 24 hours of finishing the job, while the customer is still pleased with the result. A week later they have other things on their mind.
How to ask
- In person — “Were you happy? A short review would really help us.”
- By message with a direct link — every extra click lowers the chance the customer will do it.
- Briefly — one or two sentences, no questionnaire.
Hello, thank you for choosing us. If you were happy, please write us a few words — it only takes a minute: [link]. It would help us a lot!
Reply to every review
A thank-you under a review is seen by other customers too. It shows you care about people.
What to do with a negative review
- Don’t reply straight away in the heat of the moment.
- Thank them for the feedback and apologise for the inconvenience.
- Offer a solution — preferably outside the public discussion (phone, email).
- Once the matter is resolved, customers often update their review themselves.
One politely resolved complaint looks more trustworthy than a hundred five-star ratings.
How to do it in Homeearly
After a job is finished, a review request with a direct link can be sent automatically — by email, text message or WhatsApp. You don’t have to do a thing. More on the Customer communication page.